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apatco · December 05, 2008, 03:45 AM

Hello All,

I am pleased to see this wonderful C-128 site. I was/am an avid 128 user, and am one that believes the 128 was the best 8-bit computer ever built.

I don't want you to think I'm a spammer, because I'm not, but we have a product http://www.apatco.com/products that your users here may find interesting.

The NCS-2056T is an educational breadboard computer kit that uses the 6502 CPU from WDC (W65C02S). This kit allows you to build a computer on a breadboard complete with LCD module and PS/2 Keyboard interface. For those, interested, it's worth checking out.

Thanks

airship · December 05, 2008, 04:40 AM

Not too bad for $180.

As a counter example, the Micro-KIM kit sells for $99 ($149 assembled) but it has only 5K of RAM (vs. your 32K) and no graphical LCD display. To bring it up to speed, a 32K RAM board is $25 for the kit, or $35 assembled. You can add a third-party display like this 128 x 64 RS-232 LCD display for $99. That's $225 for a KIM-1 clone with about the same capability as your trainer. You also include a couple of manuals and a CD-ROM; the KIM-1 trainer has none, though KIM-1 info is widely available on the Interwebs.

On the other hand, the KIM-1 has two VIAs (vs. your one), a six-digit LED display, and a keyboard that yours lacks (though your PS/2 keyboard interface is a nice touch). It's also on a real PC board, which has the plus of being stable, with the minus of being less versatile. With its expansion connector, I don't think this is much of a minus for the KIM.

You win on raw price/power. But if I were in the market for such a beast, I'd want the KIM just for Commodore compatibility. If I just want to mess around with a 6502 and a couple of VIAs, I can do that with my own breadboard and parts from a $20 1541 disk drive.

Still, I'm always glad to see new projects and products for 8-bit computers. Have you posted on 6502.org yet? Good luck with it!

apatco · December 05, 2008, 05:37 AM

Hi airship,

Thank you for your comments.

I guess I should have pointed out as well, that being an educational product, the NCS-2056T contains extensive documentation including 217+ page printed "Technical" manual that contains historical facts as well, and color photos and diagrams. A 70+ page "assembly" manual, and an additonal 50+ page "KV1" manual for the LCD and PS/2 keyboard. As well the CD-ROM contains datasheets for all components, and a 450+ page 6502 programmers manual. As well there is a 6502 simulator for your PC.

We feel proper documentation is important.. :-)

Golan Klinger · December 05, 2008, 07:46 AM

I was going to suggest you come to the World of Commodore this weekend but it would be a heck of a journey from Dryden. Yikes. It's easy to forget how big this Province is.

RobertB · December 05, 2008, 04:11 PM

Quote from: apatco on December 05, 2008, 03:45 AMThe NCS-2056T is an educational breadboard computer kit that uses the 6502 CPU from WDC (W65C02S). This kit allows you to build a computer on a breadboard complete with LCD module and PS/2 Keyboard interface.

Have you thought of promoting your computer at shows, such as the Vintage Computer Festival (original in Mountain View, Midwest, East, or Europa), Classic Gaming Expo, or perhaps at Notacon/BlockParty? Micro-KIM and other projects have been shown at such functions.
If you have brochures of your product, I can distribute them at MossyCon in early April, Notacon/Blockparty in mid-April (still unsure I will be at that one), CommVEx in late July, the AmiWest Show in mid-October, and the Vintage Computer Festival 11.0 in early November. Or just come on over and visit a show!

Who knows when CGE will come in 2009?
Robert Bernardo
Fresno Commodore User Group
http://videocam.net.au/fcug
The Other Group of Amigoids
http://www.calweb.com/~rabel1/
Southern California Commodore/Amiga Network
http://www.sccaners.org/

BigDumbDinosaur · December 05, 2008, 10:43 PM

QuoteI was going to suggest you come to the World of Commodore this weekend but it would be a heck of a journey from Dryden. Yikes. It's easy to forget how big this Province is.

Ontario's not that big. If he starts out now he might make it in time. :angel:

airship · December 06, 2008, 01:53 AM

Yeah, start mushing now, dude!

apatco · December 09, 2008, 12:35 PM

Well, I would like to take the journey, but I was just there a couple of weeks ago for ECOO (Educational Computing Organization of ONtario)

Thanks for the suggestions about the various shows. I will keep them in mind. I do have brochures available, so maybe I will send some to you RobertB...

RobertB · December 09, 2008, 06:05 PM

Quote from: apatco on December 09, 2008, 12:35 PMI do have brochures available, so maybe I will send some to you RobertB...

Great! If you have them in e-document form, you can even e-mail them to me (but privately ask me for my other e-mail address which has lots of space for attachments). I can then photocopy them off and give them away at this Sunday's FCUG meeting, at the Dec. 21 TOGA meeting, and at the Jan. 11 SCCAN meeting.

Truly,
Robert Bernardo
Fresno Commodore User Group
http://videocam.net.au/fcug
The Other Group of Amigoids
http://www.calweb.com/~rabel1/
Southern California Commodore/Amiga Network
http://www.sccaners.org/

airship · December 10, 2008, 02:18 AM

You might also want to try to get it posted to the MAKE magazine site. They're interested in electronics projects and retro computing. I'm sure they'd put up a link. They can generate a LOT of traffic for you.

RobertB · December 10, 2008, 04:19 PM

Quote from: airship on December 10, 2008, 02:18 AMYou might also want to try to get it posted to the MAKE magazine site.

And I'm thinking of attending/exhibiting at Maker Faire next spring. Thousands and thousands of people go to that event. Your ad could be spread to the crowd there.

Must be creative with the C= for that event,
Robert Bernardo
Fresno Commodore User Group
http://videocam.net.au/fcug
The Other Group of Amigoids
http://www.calweb.com/~rabel1/
Southern California Commodore/Amiga Network
http://www.sccaners.org/

apatco · December 13, 2008, 03:33 AM

Sorry for the delay.... (I keep forgetting to check this site).

Anyway, I'll put a link to the flyer on this site if that's alright....

http://ncs.apatco.com/images/flyer.pdf

Let me know if you have any trouble opening it.

RobertB · December 13, 2008, 01:00 PM

Quote from: apatco on December 13, 2008, 03:33 AMAnyway, I'll put a link to the flyer on this site...

Got it. Thanks!

Truly,
Robert Bernardo
Fresno Commodore User Group
http://videocam.net.au/fcug
The Other Group of Amigoids
http://www.calweb.com/~rabel1/
Southern California Commodore/Amiga Network
http://www.sccaners.org/